Tuscany, with its captivating countryside and ancient cities, has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries. Few who visit here can resist the endless beauty of its landscapes, the intense flavors of its cuisine, or its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures. This, after all, was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and its history can be explored in dozens of museums, the most famous of which is the Uffizi in
Florence.
Home in Italy offer from more than a dozen exclusive villas for an alternative to hotel accommodations for travelers exploring
Tuscany and,
L'Andana, from Internationally acclaimed restaurateur Alain Ducasse's intimate country inn, in Tuscany's untouristed Maremma region.
Located in central
Italy, bordered by
Umbria and
Marche to the east and the
Tyrrhenian Sea to the west,
Tuscany is among the most well-traveled regions of
Italy. It abounds in popular destinations, from cosmopolitan
Florence – with its exceptional museums, fine shops, bustling markets and restaurants – to the medieval cities of
Siena,
Lucca and
Pisa.
Twice each summer,
Siena draws thousands of spectators to its world-famous horse race, the palio delle contrade, preceded by a spectacular pageant. The city’s historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While
Pisa is best known for its famous
Leaning
Tower, it has many other important sites well worth a visit, most of them located in the city’s Campo dei Miracoli, or “field of miracles.” Puccini’s birthplace, the town of
Lucca is distinguished by its fully intact ancient walls, now a pedestrian promenade. Roman ruins can be found in the town of
Saturnia, famed for its natural spas.
The Tuscan countryside enchants with its rolling hills, stately rows of cypress trees and vineyards. These produce some of the world’s most legendary wines, including Chianti, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino.
